PCTI Student Selected for Boys Nation

Soon to be senior Chris Zuniga (Passaic) of Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI) Academy of Criminal Justice has been selected as one of only two representatives from New Jersey’s Boys State program to attend Boys Nation in Washington D.C. The distinguished honor invites ninety-eight young leaders from across the nation to attend a weeklong event, starting on July 21st, that treats them as senators from their respective Boys State. Here they act as lawmakers and caucus at the beginning of the session, organize into communities, and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates. As senators, they learn the proper method of handling bills according to US Senate rules and organize party conventions by nomination and electing a President and Vice President.

The week of government training also includes lectures, forums, and visits to federal agencies, national shrines, institutions, as well as memorial and historical sites. Visiting Capitol Hill gives Boys Nation senators the opportunity to meet with elected officials from their home states.

The first Boys Nation (known as the Boys Forum of National Government) convened at American University in Washington in August of 1946. Three years later, the American Legion National Convention adopted the event as an official youth activity.

A number of graduates of the Boys Nation program have since been elected to public office as presidents, congressmen, state governors and legislators. Congratulations to PCTI’s Chris Zuniga on being selected for this prestigious honor!